ABSTRACT VIEW
EXPLORING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING (CRT) IN DIGITAL SPACES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
B. Khunou, F. Makda
University of the Witwatersrand (SOUTH AFRICA)
The integration of digital technologies and the increase in adoption of online teaching present a unique opportunity to extend the principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) beyond traditional classrooms, fostering more inclusive and culturally aware online learning environments. As technology becomes a central tool in education, its potential to scaffold cultural relevance and responsiveness grows more prevalent. Shifting toward student-centred, culturally responsive digital spaces requires rethinking how digital technologies are used, not only for content delivery but to enhance students' active participation, critical thinking, and cultural expression. The growing interest in applying CRT within emerging technological frameworks offers new opportunities to design highly personalized educational experiences that support students' cultural identities and promote diversity. This paper presents a systematic review to explore how educators can implement CRT principles in online learning platforms. Research papers indexed in the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed, with 36 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal that a key challenge is that technology is often used primarily as an instructional tool for content delivery, rather than as an interactive platform that empowers students to engage with material in culturally meaningful ways. Furthermore, the professional development of educators in the use of digital technologies is crucial for promoting effective CRT practices.

Keywords: Culturally Responsive Teaching, Digital Technologies, Online Learning, Online Pedagogy.

Event: INTED2025
Track: Active & Student-Centered Learning
Session: Pedagogical Innovations
Session type: VIRTUAL